Assets of Clayton's ex-aide will stay frozen

Carol Hawkins, of Crannagh Road, Dublin, was ordered by the court last month not to reduce her assets below €1.8m.

Yesterday, the court heard the order could continue until further notice by agreement between lawyers for both sides.

The parties have agreed a timetable for exchange of documents in the case in which Clayton alleges she used debit and credit cards for her own use and for her family.

Disputed

Yesterday, Mr Justice Roderick Murphy agreed to continue the order made on December 18.

Emily Egan, counsel for Clayton, said a statement of claim would be delivered within two weeks and provision had been made to ensure Ms Hawkins' day-to-day needs were met.

Kenneth Fogarty, for Ms Hawkins, said that under his client's contract of employment there was a mediation clause which may benefit both parties.

It may be open to Ms Hawkins to apply for a stay on the proceedings pending any mediation, the court heard.

Ms Hawkins has disputed the €1.8m figure involved in the alleged misappropriation but has admitted using cards and taking money without authorisation. She has also denied using the money to buy property, cars and jewellery, the High Court heard.

A lawyer for Clayton, of Kellystown Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin, told the court last month that the U2 bass guitarist first became aware of problems in September, 2007.

Paul Sreenan said Ms Hawkins confessed she had misappropriated €13,000 of Clayton's money.

He had dealt with this in "a compassionate manner" kept her on in employment, counsel said. But, it had emerged since that Ms Hawkins, without the authorisation of Clayton, had used his debit and credit cards for her own use and for her family's benefit, counsel said.

hnews@herald.ie